Ep 11. The Takers

In this episode of Deadly Women, titled The Takers, we explore the devious and manipulative minds of female criminals who are willing to take what they want, no matter the cost.

The first story centers around a woman named Rosemary LaBianca, who became an unwitting victim in the infamous Manson Family murders in 1969. Though she never had any connection to the cult or its leader, Charles Manson, her and her husband's brutal murder was a part of his twisted plan for a race war. We learn about the brutal and senseless acts committed by the Manson Family, and the tragic impact it had on the LaBianca family and the nation as a whole.

Next, we dive into the case of Raffaella Castagna, an Italian woman who is suspected of being a serial killer. Her murders all seemed to have a common motive: money. She would form relationships with wealthy men, gain their trust, and then slowly drain their bank accounts until they were bankrupt. But when one of her victims grew suspicious and reported her to the police, they uncovered a trail of destruction that led them straight to her doorstep.

The third story focuses on Judith Ann Neelley, a woman who was only 18 years old when she committed her first murder. She was eventually caught and imprisoned, but that didn't stop her from manipulating and orchestrating a plan to escape with her new husband, who was also a convicted murderer. Their crime spree continued, with the pair committing a string of shocking and violent crimes before they were once again apprehended.

Finally, we learn about the story of Belle Sorenson Gunness, a Norwegian-American serial killer who is believed to have murdered up to 40 people in the early 20th century. Her victims were often men who had come to her farm in Indiana in search of love and companionship. She would lure them in with promises of marriage and a comfortable life, only to kill them and dispose of their bodies. Her crimes went undetected for years, until a fire at her farm brought the truth to light.

Throughout the episode, we witness the callous and calculating actions of these deadly women, as they commit heinous acts in pursuit of their own desires. From cult leaders to serial killers, these women prove that sometimes the most dangerous threat can come from the people we least expect.